Tempranillo Blanco Rioja

Rioja wine has been around forever. Well, almost forever. Winemaking started in the region we now call Rioja in the eleventh century B.C. It was only 101 years ago that Rioja was recognized as an official designation of origin. Spain's first. 

The 2023 Monte Real Tempranillo Blanco is made by Bodegas Riojanas. They've been at the winemaking craft for more than 130 years. The composition is of 100% Tempranillo Blanco, a mutation of the red Tempranillo grape. Genetically, the grape is almost identical to its red twin. Vinification took place in a stainless steel tank, while it was aged in French oak. 

This wine is clear yellow in the glass. The nose is rather faint, but there are some nice tropical fruit notes, notably pineapple and banana, along with some salinity. The palate is colored by hints of apricot, dried candy, mango, and almonds. The acidity is about medium intensity, while the finish is lengthy and savory. 

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